Spring Green Kitchari: Ayurvedic Recipe for Gentle Detox

Support and reset your digestive system by giving it a bit of a break with this nourishing recipe!

The deeply intelligent Ayurvedic tradition favours gentle nourishment and ‘lightening the load’ in the form of foods that are easily digestible, rather than extreme cleanses or purges. The vast majority of the time, your body handles everything you ingest/are exposed to with its own cleansing processes, only occasionally needing some gentle support or correction. Adding more nutrient-packed greens and other fresh veggies to your meals is a perfect way to reinforce.

This greens-boosted kitchari features clean protein, good fats, fiber, and an array of antioxidant-packed spices to support your liver and nurture your gut microbiome.

Long before wellness influencers and radical cleanses existed, fresh foods, herbs and spices have been the time-tested tools that humans have used to optimize their bodies’ natural processes to ‘lighten up’ for Spring. This recipe offers a deliciously easy way to support your body through this transition.

Ingredients:

4-6 c. water
1 c. basmati rice
1 c. split yellow mung (dal) beans (or mixed dal/kitchari mix)
¼ c. carrots, chopped
¼ c. cauliflower, chopped
¼ c. greens, chopped (chard, beet greens, or young dandelion leaves)
¼ c. green peas
2 tbl. ghee or any neutral oil
½ tsp. coriander powder
½ tsp. cumin powder
½ tsp. cumin seeds
½ tsp. mustard seeds
½ tsp. turmeric powder

Directions:

Rinse rice and dal, add to a large pot with the water (the amount of water will determine consistency). Stir in all other ingredients.
Bring to a boil, then turn down to simmer for 20-30 minutes.
In a separate pan, sauté the seeds in the ghee or neutral oil over medium heat until they pop, then add the other spices and stir.
Add the spice mixture into the cooked dal, rice, and vegetables.
Add a few pinches of salt, and top with chopped cilantro and/or parsley, for extra ‘green power.’

Tip: If you want to up the good fats, you can also top it with ghee. Savor this deeply nourishing bowl!